An established orchard in Ongaonga, in Central Hawke’s Bay, is looking for permanent orchard hands to join its team for the long run. Unlike short seasonal picking work, this is an ongoing, full-time role with a future. The orchard wants people who want to learn the trade, grow their skills, and stay on year after year. If you are after stability rather than a few weeks of casual work, this one is worth a close look.
Day to day, you will pick fruit during harvest and care for the trees through the rest of the year. The source listing did not state a wage, so expect pay around the New Zealand market average of $24 to $28 per hour for permanent orchard work, comfortably above the national minimum. Hours are regular and full-time, with the chance to take on more responsibility as you prove yourself. Because the work spans the whole year, you avoid the gaps in income that come with picking-only seasonal jobs.
Company Overview
The employer runs a settled orchard operation in the scenic Central Hawke’s Bay district, a part of New Zealand known for its fruit and its open rural lifestyle. This is a permanent team rather than a revolving seasonal crew, so the focus sits on building skilled, loyal workers. Expect a supportive environment where supervisors invest time in training, share their knowledge of the trees, and help committed staff move into more senior orchard roles over time. The orchard runs through a full yearly cycle of pruning, growing, and harvest, so you gain real, well-rounded experience that opens doors across the wider horticulture industry.
Responsibilities
- Pick fruit carefully during the harvest months
- Prune, thin, and train trees to keep them healthy and productive
- Help with planting, mulching, and general orchard maintenance
- Monitor trees for pests, disease, and irrigation problems
- Operate basic orchard machinery once you are trained and signed off
- Keep accurate records of the tasks completed in each block
- Maintain tools, sheds, and work areas in good order
- Follow safe work practices and support newer team members
Qualifications and Requirements
- A real interest in orchard work and a wish to build a long-term career
- Some farm or outdoor experience helps, though full training is given
- Good physical fitness for active, hands-on work in all weather
- Basic English for instructions, records, and team talk
- A valid right to work in New Zealand
- A driver licence, since the orchard sits in a rural area
- Reliability, a positive attitude, and the will to learn
Benefits and Perks
- A permanent, full-time role with year-round hours
- Market pay of around $24 to $28 per hour
- Hands-on training and a clear path to grow your skills
- The chance to move into senior or supervisor roles over time
- A stable team in a quiet, attractive rural setting
- Varied work across the full orchard year, not just picking
- Job security that short seasonal work cannot match
How to Apply
If you want to put down roots and learn orchard work properly, write a short CV that shows your work history and any practical experience. Add a few words on why a permanent rural role appeals to you and confirm that you hold a driver licence. The orchard is looking for people who plan to stay, so honesty about your goals helps. Send your updated CV to the employer through the official job listing.